Shimla, Aug 10 (Reporter) Himachal Pradesh is enduring the brunt of a relentless monsoon, which has brought severe flooding and widespread disruption to the state. Five districts—Shimla, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur—are under an orange alert due to the ongoing heavy rainfall. The storm’s fury was particularly evident on Friday night, when Nahan in Sirmaur recorded an astonishing 168.3 mm of rain. This deluge transformed streets into torrents, submerging homes, shops, and critical infrastructure. Many residents in affected areas faced significant damage to their properties as floodwaters inundated their living spaces. Ward councillor Madhu Atri reported severe damage in Amarpur Mohalla, where rainwater and debris entered homes, ruining essential belongings. Transportation has been severely impacted, with landslides causing major disruptions. The Kalka-Shimla four-lane highway has been converted to one-way from Parwanoo to Dharampur due to landslides. National Highway 707 is blocked near Sataun, and Shimla-Kinnaur NH faced a 20-hour closure on Friday. Similarly, the Chandigarh-Mandi NH was blocked for 13 hours due to an overturned trailer and landslides, stranding travellers overnight. Agricultural activities are also in distress. Reports indicate significant damage to crops and fields due to the heavy rains. The situation has been exacerbated by power outages and disruptions to drinking water supplies, with over 50 roads currently blocked across the state. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall and potential flooding in several districts. Residents are advised to stay vigilant, avoid flood-prone areas, and prepare for ongoing disruptions as the monsoon continues to impact the region. The authorities are actively monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to address the widespread challenges caused by this severe weather event...////...